Apple today updated its MacBook consumer notebooks with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 1GB of memory and larger hard drives in every model. The MacBook is just one-inch thin and features built-in 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g. Every MacBook also includes a built-in iSight video camera for on-the-go video conferencing, Apple's MagSafe Power Adapter that safely disconnects when under strain, and iLife '06, Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications.

nice! Now im just waiting for the macbook pro and minis._________________I am a freelance dvd author, and graphic designer. contact me if you need work done.
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I've now been waiting 3 months for an updated Mini. Looking at the specs, I think we can almost all but rule out SR for the Mini. The lack of graphics grunt I can live with (just), but at the currently close prices between them, it's almost better value for money to get a MacBook as a HTPC. Crazy! Either Apple should upgrade the Mini to SR *OR* give the updated ones (whenever they come out) if they are C2D a slight price drop.

MacBook's were last updated 2 months after the Mini, yet get an upgrade first...wtf!?

MacBook's were last updated 2 months after the Mini, yet get an upgrade first...wtf!?

That really doesn't surprise me. Laptops are more popular than desktops right now and they make nice graduation presents. I'm just disappointed that Apple has left the Mac mini so far behind. It's crying for an update.

I've been tossing this idea around, too. My current HTPC is a Titanium G4, I've been waiting sooo long for a mini update!

One question, tho: my HTPC Titanium Powerbook is happy to run with the lid closed and the built-in display turned off. Can the MacBook do the same thing? Or does the MacBook have to run with the lid propped open?

And, with the lid propped open, will the MacBook insist on doing spanning (don't want that) or mirroring (not good either)? Or can you have it use only the mini-DVI (i.e., the television) as the output?

The MacBook works fine with the lid closed, as long as you (obviously) have an external display of some kind, a keyboard, and a mouse attached. (I don't remember the behavior off-hand if I try to use BOTH the MacBook's LCD and an external display, but I think it seemed logical to me.)

For whatever it's worth, though, unless I wanted to use the HTPC as a regular notebook also I'd go for the Mini (and did).

I don't think that is the case, but you never know. To me this update signals that Apple is separating the MacBook from the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro will be moved up to Santa Rosa "pro" platform. The MacBook will be left behind for a while. Here's the bad news for an updated Mac mini though. It will probably still include the Intel GMA 950 when it is released._________________1.25GHz Mac Mini / 1.8GHz iMac G5 / 2.0GHz C2D Mac mini (2009)
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Does the Intel GMA 950 have any other issues than not being suitable for gaming ? I mean I m planning to use the mini (if it will ever be updated) as an HTPC (I m not interrested in gaming) so I m wondering if a better graphic chipset would have an effect on HTPC use...

my HTPC Titanium Powerbook is happy to run with the lid closed and the built-in display turned off. Can the MacBook do the same thing? Or does the MacBook have to run with the lid propped open?

Answering my own question....

A little googling shows that running a Macbook headless is fully supported by Apple. You can end up doing it with the lid open, if you really want to, but it is designed to work fine with the lid shut.